In an unprecedented move, Massachusetts District Attorney Michael Morrissey spoke out against the purported harassment of witnesses involved in the high-profile case against Karen Read, charged with the murder of her boyfriend and Boston police officer, John O’Keefe. Morrissey did not detail the nature of the alleged harassment but was evident in denouncing unfounded critiques of the prosecution.
Morrissey emphatically said, “Innuendo is not evidence. Neither are false narratives. Courts, not the Internet, are where trials should take place. The Internet doesn’t adhere to rules of evidence, penalize perjury, or possess all the facts. Conspiracy theories don’t stand as evidence.”
Prosecutors allege that Read, after a night out, fatally hit O’Keefe with her SUV in Canton, Massachusetts. However, the defense claims O’Keefe was assaulted and attacked by a dog at a residence owned by fellow police officer Brian Albert. O’Keefe was discovered lifeless in freezing conditions the following day. The defense has made shocking allegations suggesting a cover-up involving attendees and law enforcement officials to frame Read, an assertion that authorities firmly refute.
Morrissey stated, “To insinuate that numerous police, EMTs, fire department staff, and others would conspire in such a manner is a baseless and desperate diversion.” Morrissey released his remarks through a recorded statement to maintain focus on the central issue while the prosecution is ongoing in superior court.
He added, “Everyday citizens on the grand jury evaluated the evidence before deciding. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. So, why are witnesses, who have done no wrong, being treated with suspicion or worse by some in the public?”
The District Attorney denounced the treatment of certain witnesses, defending Jennifer McCabe, Matthew McCabe, and Bryan Albert, stating they weren’t conspirators, nor did they commit any crime. He also supported Colin Albert, Bryan Albert’s nephew, whom some believe attacked O’Keefe. Morrissey clarified that Colin Albert had left the residence before Read and O’Keefe arrived and that O’Keefe never even entered the house.
Additionally, Morrissey refuted allegations against State Trooper Michael Proctor, accused by some of tampering with evidence. Morrissey asserted that Proctor wasn’t present at the incident scene and had no motive for interfering in the investigation.
The District Attorney also addressed discussions on the popular podcast “Turtleboy Live,” where the host has extensively explored the case against Read. In contrast to some online discussions, Morrissey reiterated the strength of the prosecution’s stance.
In other developments, the defense and prosecution are divided on the interpretation of O’Keefe’s cell phone data regarding whether he entered the house the night of the incident. Morrissey emphasized that evidence suggests O’Keefe never went inside the residence.
Medical records detail the extent of O’Keefe’s injuries. Morrissey highlighted that a forensic pathologist concluded the injuries weren’t from a physical altercation or animal attack, disputing some defense theories.
